Probity

I know there must a couple of you out there that do occasional towing with a 3.3 NA truck. Specifically, those with just the 53B hitch that pull the small boat/U-Haul/UTV on trailer etc., keeping your loads "between the lines" (less than 5K weight). As per Ford's tow guide, the 3.3's with 53B do NOT have the "high powered cooling fans" or "radiator upgrade" like the 2.7EB's do. So - any issues with over-heating on trips?

I'm considering buying a cheap 2018 Scab with the 3.3, it will have the 53B hitch, I'm not planning on any regular towing but do want an issue-free trip on the few occasions I do pull a load. Thank.

Old Grey Mule

It will be fine if you do not exceed payload or the hitch rating.

Flipazn

I tow a 26' TT that is 3500 lbs. dry and about ~5000 lbs. fully loaded with 3.3 gears. After my first trip towing I added the OEM auxiliary transmission cooler because I didn't like the fact that I was seeing 224 degree temps when climbing up the mountain. I also upgraded the OEM trailer brake and OEM HD front sway bar to essentially match "max tow" package trucks minus the 3.55 gears. Since then I have had absolutely no problems with my transmission temps (occasionally the tranny temp reaches 217 but only when climbing really steep grades and immediately cools back down when not continuously climbing) and the truck tows amazing. I always use "Tow Haul" mode and lock out 6th gear when towing.

Flamingtaco

For Mercon LV, 230-250 is the caution range, but the closer you can keep it to 195ºF, the longer everything will last.

javelina1

Love having my 3.3L NA. No issue towing our ATV and Aluma trailer. AT and coolant are all withing spec's. FYI - the ATV and Trailer are less than 2,000lbs.